Melvin Keith
Myrtle Beach
Summary
Dynamic aviation professional with extensive experience at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, excelling in aircraft maintenance and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing organizational visibility and executing successful fundraising campaigns, while fostering collaboration and optimizing logistics. Expertise in aeronautical analysis and a commitment to aviation safety regulations drive impactful results.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
55
55
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Aviator/Director of Maintenance
Army Aviation Heritage Foundation
05.2022 - 12.2025
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational visibility and outreach within aviation heritage community
- Oversaw program implementation, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and fostering collaboration among team members
- Led fundraising campaigns to support educational programs, increasing community engagement and participation levels
- Managed volunteer coordination, optimizing resource allocation and improving overall efficiency of events and activities
- Oversight Manager of Logistics and Maintenance for three chapters of flyable helicopters.
- Pilot in Command and Foundation Maintenance Test Pilot for UH-1 and AH-1 Helicopters
Military Contractor Foreign Military Sales
Sigmatec
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Managed logistics for military operations, ensuring timely delivery of equipment and supplies.
- Monthly meeting with the State Department on the progress of moving equipment, and the status of current holdings.
- Monitored equipment and inventory in holding areas in New Cumberland.
Program Manager DAFIF/Aeronautical Analyst
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
03.2009 - 05.2018
- Led cross-functional teams consisting of all branches of service and governmental agencies in all aeronautical applications dealing with a worldwide database of Digital Aeronautical Flight Information Files.
- Implemented the 28-day cycle of DAFIF to all DoD and governmental agencies, consisting of over 10,000 aircraft worldwide.
- Hosted twice annually, the DAFIF Aero Week meeting had 100-150 military representatives from all services, and vendors of navigation equipment and databases.
- Performed duties as an Aeronautical Analyst for Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Reviewed daily inputs to aeronautical changes of airway and aerodrome changes for the DAFIF 28-day cycle.
- Developed and maintained stakeholder relationships, facilitating collaboration on high-impact aeronautical geospatial projects.
Professional Aviator
Executive Beechcraft, Fabick Cat, Vinson Mortgage
06.1991 - 05.2009
- Conducted pre-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety and compliance with regulations.
- Executed flight plans while maintaining communication with air traffic control for optimal routing.
- Ensured adherence to federal aviation regulations through regular training sessions for crew members.
- Maintained accurate flight logs for recordkeeping purposes and regulatory compliance.
- Completed extensive training programs to maintain currency in aircraft models, FAA regulations, safety procedures, and industry best practices.
- Actively participated in recurrent simulator training sessions to continually improve skills related to aircraft handling techniques, emergency procedures, instrument proficiency, and CRM principles.
- Check Airman Part 135 in BE-58 and BE-200
Professional Pilot/Aircraft Maintainer
U. S. Army
04.1971 - 08.1991
- Executed complex flight maneuvers in diverse environments to ensure mission success.
- Conducted thorough pre-flight inspections to maintain aircraft safety and readiness.
- Served as Pilot in Command of UH-1H, AH-1F, RU-21, and OV-1D military aircraft, as well as Maintenance Test Pilot, ensuring the aircraft was airworthy prior to returning to service. Maintained aircraft maintenance records.
- Served as Logistics Officer, Production Control, Quality Control Platoon Leader and Platton Commander.
Education
Master of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ03-2012
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL08-1993
Skills
- Expertise in aircraft maintenance
- Team leadership
- Logistics management
- Fundraising strategies
- Volunteer coordination
- Aeronautical analysis
- Aviation safety regulations
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
Working as a volunteer I was selected by the Board President of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation to establish a chapter in St. Louis, MO. Started with a mere 50 volunteers we formed fundraising events to get established. We were self supportive and acquired one aircraft from the Foundation and acquired another through government surplus. Today they operate three aircraft.
The current Chairman requested my service as the Director of Maintenance where I oversee the maintenance and Logistics of all three chapters. We have revamped the Foundation Logistics program and built relationships in the rotor craft industry.
Certification
- Licensed Airline Transport Pilot Airplane Multiengine, DA-50, DA-20, CE-650, CE-500
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine Helicopter Instrument
- Certified Flight Instructor Airplane single and multi engine Instrument
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
- Advanced Ground and Instrument Instructor
Timeline
Professional Aviator/Director of Maintenance
Army Aviation Heritage Foundation
05.2022 - 12.2025
Military Contractor Foreign Military Sales
Sigmatec
01.2020 - 05.2022
Program Manager DAFIF/Aeronautical Analyst
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
03.2009 - 05.2018
Professional Aviator
Executive Beechcraft, Fabick Cat, Vinson Mortgage
06.1991 - 05.2009
Professional Pilot/Aircraft Maintainer
U. S. Army
04.1971 - 08.1991
Master of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University